Messi the ´absolute best´, says Iniesta

Barcelona star Andres Iniesta believes team-mate Lionel Messi is the ‘absolute best’ player in the world.

The Spain international says the prolific attacker always manages to surprise his opponents and can make the difference with his individual quality.

“For me, Lionel is the absolute best. He is even better than he seems to be at first sight,” Iniesta told El Mundo Deportivo.

“It is very difficult to make the difference like he does and make everything look so natural. It’s just great to see him play.

“He always does the unexpected. The best thing about him is that he always comes up with something special. He can do something different that surprises everybody.”

Iniesta said Barcelona were eager to make amends for missing out on the Champions League and La Liga crowns last term.

“Things have been going well so far, but it’s too soon to draw any conclusions. We will have difficult moments, but we are determined to be successful,” he said.

“Our goal is to fight for silverware in every competition we take part in. We are very motivated after last year, and will try and regain the Liga title from (Real) Madrid.

“And then there’s the bad feeling from missing out on the Champions League final and we want to make amends for this.”

Barcelona sit joint top with Atletico Madrid in La Liga with 19 points from seven games.